From "Genealogies of Virginia Families"
from Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine.

Colonel Thomas Ballard was an attorney and a member of the House of
Burgesses from James City Co., VA, 1666. Re-elected for the sessions
1682-83-84-85-86. He was Speaker of the House of Burgesses in
1680-82-83-84. He was Owner of historic "Middle
Plantation", on which some of the land is now located on the
College of William and Mary, and a part of the city of Williamsburg.
Thomas Ludwell sold this land March 1674-75 to Honorable Thomas
Ballard of the Council by the deed below." (no copy). In 1693
Ballard sold the same tract of land to the Trustees of the College,
and the Deed was at the College, until about 1892, when it
disappeared.

Colonel Ballard and his wife are mentioned as victims of Nat Bacon's
Rebellion. The Colonel was a member of the King's Council,
1675-1688. This was a position of high honor under Governor Berkeley
who in turn received his appointment from the King.

"Colonel Thomas Ballard was born in 1630, baptized at
Inkborough, England, County of Worcester, 1636. He was the son of
Henry Ballard, baptized at St. Margaret's West Minster, February 28,
1585, England and he died in Virgina.

Colonel Thomas Ballard died at his home in Middle Plantation, now
Williamsburg and was buried at Bruton Parish, March 24, 1689. He
married Miss Anne Thomas, daughter of William and Ann Thomas of York
County, Virginia. She died September 26, 1678.
----------------

From Southside Virginia Families by John Bennett Boddie, 1955,
Pacific Coast Publishers, Redwood City, California, pp. 17-24
"It has been stated that the first of the name in America was
William Ballard, born in England 1609 and his son Thomas, born in
England in 1630, same to America on the ship "James",
arriving at Yorktown in May 1635. The Richmond Times Dispatch, in an
article written in 1888 on "Ballard" says that William
remained for some time in Virginia, but after the death of his wife
he removed to Andover, Massachusetts and died there in 1689. He
married at Andover, Grace _____ and had (so T.D. says) Joseph, who
married Elizabeth Phelps, and perhaps other children.
"Thomas Ballard, son of William Ballard and Elizabeth, remained
in Virginia, and in 1654 was Clerk of York County. (End of quoted
statement).
"Now, the list of "Emigrants to America" by Hotten,
page 107, shows the following emigrants "imbarqued on the
'James', 13 July 1635, to be transported to New England":
William Ballard, Husband 32 years
Elizabeth Ballard, 26 years
Hester Ballard, 2 years
Jo. Ballard, 1 year
"No "Thomas Ballard, aged 5" is shown in this list
and the ship evidently sailed directly to New England.
"There was a Ballard family in Wadhurst, Sussex, England, whose
arms were "Sable, a griffin sergeant ermine, armed or".
They had resided there for many generations previous to the coming
of Thomas Ballard to Virginia. (See Misc. Gen. & Heraldica)
There were many "Thomas', Johns and Williams" in this
family and it is very probable that Col. Thomas Ballard of Virginia
was a descendant of one of the branches of this family. However, the
"William Ballard", third son of Thomas Ballard who died at
Wadhurst, Feb. 9, 1624, does not appear to be the William who came
to America in the ship "James". Thomas Ballard's eldest
son Thomas, was aged 15 in 1619, according to the above pedigree. He
also had a daughter Elizabeth, unmarried, and another one, Martha,
married to Abraham Haynes. Inasmuch as Thomas Ballard, the eldest
son, was born in 1604, William, the third son, was born much later
and therefore could not be the above William Ballard, born 1603 who
came on the ship "James".
"In a search for verification of the connection of this family
with Virginia, it was found that Thomas Ballard, born in 1604, who
married Anne, daughter of Sir Nathaniel Napper, (Berry's Sussex p.
116) made his will in London Sept. 10, 1641, same probated Sept. 18,
1641. He bequeathed all his lands and tenements given him in the
will of his father, Thomas, to his brother William Ballard; wife
Anne, daughter Anne; godchild Samuel Maplesden; brothers Mr. John
White, and Abraham Haynes. Executor, brother William Ballard. (It
seems that his sister Elizabeth married John White). The will of
Thomas' brother, Richard of London, was probated Aug. 1, 1638. He
died unmarried and bequeathed his property to his bother, Abraham
Haynes, Rector of St. Olaves, Hart Street, London. The children of
Abraham Haynes were: Martha, born Mar 15, 1634; Thomas, born Oct.
18, 1638; William, born April 22, 1640; Abraham Haynes, died Mar 29,
1649; Martha, his wife died Sept 23, 1647 (Register). (The wills are
from the "Ballard Genealogy" by C. F. Farlow, 1911, p. 1)
William Ballard was the survivor of this family and inherited all of
their property. It is very doubtful, therefore, that he would leave
England for America.
"Thomas Ballard, the founder of the Virginia family, as
"Mr. Thomas Ballard", patented "1000 acres in
Glouster Co., now called "New Kent Co." on S.E. side of
Mattapony, along the head of Mr. William Wyatt's land, 16 July 1655,
for the transportation of 20 persons". (C.P. 309) His next
patent was for 600 acres upon the head of Poropotank River, W.N.W.
upon land of Capt. Stephen Gill, dec'd. 15 Oct 1657. Thomas assigned
this land to Major David Cant, April 2, 1662. (C.P. 334, 496)
"On Oct 6 1658, Thomas Hickman re-patented Thomas Ballard's
first grant of 1000 acres in New Kent for Hickman's grant shows same
"granted to Mr. Thomas Ballard 16 July 1655 and by him
deserted." (C.P. 379)
"It seems that Thomas Ballard "deserted" the 1000
acres and added 300 more "upon the north side of Mattapony
River" for on Oct 6 1658, he patented 1300 acres there and used
the same 20 headrights he had used in his first grant. (C.P. 380)
"On April 16, 1664, Anthony Branch patented 150 acres on N.W.
branch of Nansemond River, which had been sold to him by Mr. Thomas
Ballard.
"Thomas Ballard was appointed Clerk of York County in 1652, and
served for many years thereafter. He was a Burgess from James City
in 1666; was appointed Lt. Col. of Militia in 1669, and a member of
the Council in 1675, later was re-elected to the House of Burgesses
and became Speaker of the House in 1680-84. Colonel Ballard's wife
Ann, together with Mrs. Elizabeth Bacon, wife of Nathaniel Bacon,
Sr., (A cousin of Nathanial Bacon, Jr. the Rebel); Mrs. Angelica
Bray, wife of Colonel James Bray, and Mrs. Elizabeth Page, wife of
Colonel John Page, all wives of members of the Council were captured
by Nathanial Bacon, Jr., during his rebellion, by a raid on the
Middle Plantation.
"When Bacon besieged Jamestown these ladies, wearing white
aprons, were compelled to stand before his breastworks, so they
could be recognized by their husbands, and thereby cause Gov.
Berkeley to cease his cannonade. (2 W I-276)
"Colonel Ballard married Ann, step-daughter of William Thomas,
whose will was probated in York County, about 1664. In his will
Thomas mentioned wife Anne; . . . calls Sarah Herman and Jane
Hilliard "daughters-in-law" and Thomas Ballard
"son-in-law". Son-in-law in those days meant
"step-son" (See Hilliard).
"Thomas Ballard and his son, Thomas, were vestrymen of Historic
Bruton Parish Church at Williamsburg where he was buried March 24,
1689. His name is inscribed on a bronze tablet in the interior of
the Church, also on the name plate of a pew.
"His children were: (1.) John, dsp. (2) Thomas, (1654-1711);
(3) Lydia; (4) Elizabeth; (5) Martha; (6) William; (7) Francis, all
said to have been born at Middle Plantation, now Williamsburg.
------------------------
See from America's first families ancestor roll of honor at http://www.linkline.com/personal/xymox/roh/ballard.htm

THOMAS BALLARD
VIRGINIA (1630/31-1689)

In Colonial Virginia, Thomas BALLARD was often referred to as the
Honorable Thomas BALLARD, or as Colonel BALLARD. He was born in
March of 1630/31 in England. Some researchers believe that he was
brought to the New World as a child by his parents.

Whether or not he came as a child, it is fair to say that he was the
founder of the Virginia BALLARD family. Thomas BALLARD married Anne
THOMAS in 1650. Anne bore his eight children before her death in
1678.

Thomas lived in York County, Virginia, and imported at least twenty
persons into Gloucester County, Virginia, under the head right
system. He also patented land in Gloucester, County as well as lands
on the Propotank and Mattapony rivers. Both the head right system
and the land patenting practice were devised to populate the new
colonies and proved to be lucrative propositions for many of the
early colonists.

Thomas BALLARD was a party to a number of recorded land trading
transactions. Among these was the purchase and sale of the land on
which William and Mary College was founded."The College of
William and Mary was originally built on a tract of 330 acres most
of which has been sold off, only about 30 acres remain. The tract
was the property of the Honorable Thomas LUDWELL, Secretary of State
1660-1678, who lived at 'Richneck'on the west side of Archers Hope
Creek. Thomas LUDWELL sold this land March 1674-75 to Hon. Thomas
BALLARD of the Council...In 1693 BALLARD sold the same tract to the
Trustees of the College."

It was probably Thomas BALLARD Jr. who made the sale in 1693, since
Thomas the elder died in 1689. It is of interest to note that the
grandson of Colonel Thomas BALLARD, William BALLARD, married a
LUDWELL.

Thomas BALLARD was a member of the Governor's Council, whose members
were chosen from the wealthiest, most educated and influential
citizens of the colony. In this office, of Counselor, he was both a
Naval officer and a collector of customs. Members of this council
constituted the Upper House of the General Assembly. In many
respects, they were the New World counterpart of the English House
of Lords. His many offices included Clerk of York County, Member of
Council, Member of the House of Burgesses, and Speaker of the House
of Burgesses. He was also a Colonel in the James City County
militia.

At the height of his political career, the Bacon Rebellion had a
devastating effect on his life. In a raid on Middle Plantation, the
rebels kidnapped the wives of many of the Governor's highest
officials. These included the wife of Thomas BALLARD, as well as the
wife of Nathaniel BACON's cousin, who was also on the Governor's
Counsel.

The kidnapped women were used as human shields against and
retaliation of the Governor. Once the rebellion collapsed, BALLARD
sat on the court martial of BACON the rebel. Still, the trauma of
these events took its toll. Within a year of the court martial,
BALLARD's wife died.

In the following and final decade of his life, Thomas BALLARD
remarried, was promoted to the rank of Colonel of the James City
County militia, was elected speaker of the House of Burgesses, and
was vestryman of Bruton Parish Church. Upon his death in 1689, he
was buried at Bruton Church, and his name was inscribed on a bronze
tablet as well as a pew nameplate there.
Submitted by George F. Emerson

From "Genealogies of Virginia Families"
from Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine.

Colonel Thomas Ballard was an attorney and a member of the House of
Burgesses from James City Co., VA, 1666. Re-elected for the sessions
1682-83-84-85-86. He was Speaker of the House of Burgesses in
1680-82-83-84. He was Owner of historic "Middle
Plantation", on which some of the land is now located on the
College of William and Mary, and a part of the city of Williamsburg.
Thomas Ludwell sold this land March 1674-75 to Honorable Thomas
Ballard of the Council by the deed below." (no copy). In 1693
Ballard sold the same tract of land to the Trustees of the College,
and the Deed was at the College, until about 1892, when it
disappeared.

Colonel Ballard and his wife are mentioned as victims of Nat Bacon's
Rebellion. The Colonel was a member of the King's Council,
1675-1688. This was a position of high honor under Governor Berkeley
who in turn received his appointment from the King.

"Colonel Thomas Ballard was born in 1630, baptized at
Inkborough, England, County of Worcester, 1636. He was the son of
Henry Ballard, baptized at St. Margaret's West Minster, February 28,
1585, England and he died in Virgina.

Colonel Thomas Ballard died at his home in Middle Plantation, now
Williamsburg and was buried at Bruton Parish, March 24, 1689. He
married Miss Anne Thomas, daughter of William and Ann Thomas of York
County, Virginia. She died September 26, 1678.
----------------

From Southside Virginia Families by John Bennett Boddie, 1955,
Pacific Coast Publishers, Redwood City, California, pp. 17-24
"It has been stated that the first of the name in America was
William Ballard, born in England 1609 and his son Thomas, born in
England in 1630, same to America on the ship "James",
arriving at Yorktown in May 1635. The Richmond Times Dispatch, in an
article written in 1888 on "Ballard" says that William
remained for some time in Virginia, but after the death of his wife
he removed to Andover, Massachusetts and died there in 1689. He
married at Andover, Grace _____ and had (so T.D. says) Joseph, who
married Elizabeth Phelps, and perhaps other children.
"Thomas Ballard, son of William Ballard and Elizabeth, remained
in Virginia, and in 1654 was Clerk of York County. (End of quoted
statement).
"Now, the list of "Emigrants to America" by Hotten,
page 107, shows the following emigrants "imbarqued on the
'James', 13 July 1635, to be transported to New England":
William Ballard, Husband 32 years
Elizabeth Ballard, 26 years
Hester Ballard, 2 years
Jo. Ballard, 1 year
"No "Thomas Ballard, aged 5" is shown in this list
and the ship evidently sailed directly to New England.
"There was a Ballard family in Wadhurst, Sussex, England, whose
arms were "Sable, a griffin sergeant ermine, armed or".
They had resided there for many generations previous to the coming
of Thomas Ballard to Virginia. (See Misc. Gen. & Heraldica)
There were many "Thomas', Johns and Williams" in this
family and it is very probable that Col. Thomas Ballard of Virginia
was a descendant of one of the branches of this family. However, the
"William Ballard", third son of Thomas Ballard who died at
Wadhurst, Feb. 9, 1624, does not appear to be the William who came
to America in the ship "James". Thomas Ballard's eldest
son Thomas, was aged 15 in 1619, according to the above pedigree. He
also had a daughter Elizabeth, unmarried, and another one, Martha,
married to Abraham Haynes. Inasmuch as Thomas Ballard, the eldest
son, was born in 1604, William, the third son, was born much later
and therefore could not be the above William Ballard, born 1603 who
came on the ship "James".
"In a search for verification of the connection of this family
with Virginia, it was found that Thomas Ballard, born in 1604, who
married Anne, daughter of Sir Nathaniel Napper, (Berry's Sussex p.
116) made his will in London Sept. 10, 1641, same probated Sept. 18,
1641. He bequeathed all his lands and tenements given him in the
will of his father, Thomas, to his brother William Ballard; wife
Anne, daughter Anne; godchild Samuel Maplesden; brothers Mr. John
White, and Abraham Haynes. Executor, brother William Ballard. (It
seems that his sister Elizabeth married John White). The will of
Thomas' brother, Richard of London, was probated Aug. 1, 1638. He
died unmarried and bequeathed his property to his bother, Abraham
Haynes, Rector of St. Olaves, Hart Street, London. The children of
Abraham Haynes were: Martha, born Mar 15, 1634; Thomas, born Oct.
18, 1638; William, born April 22, 1640; Abraham Haynes, died Mar 29,
1649; Martha, his wife died Sept 23, 1647 (Register). (The wills are
from the "Ballard Genealogy" by C. F. Farlow, 1911, p. 1)
William Ballard was the survivor of this family and inherited all of
their property. It is very doubtful, therefore, that he would leave
England for America.
"Thomas Ballard, the founder of the Virginia family, as
"Mr. Thomas Ballard", patented "1000 acres in
Glouster Co., now called "New Kent Co." on S.E. side of
Mattapony, along the head of Mr. William Wyatt's land, 16 July 1655,
for the transportation of 20 persons". (C.P. 309) His next
patent was for 600 acres upon the head of Poropotank River, W.N.W.
upon land of Capt. Stephen Gill, dec'd. 15 Oct 1657. Thomas assigned
this land to Major David Cant, April 2, 1662. (C.P. 334, 496)
"On Oct 6 1658, Thomas Hickman re-patented Thomas Ballard's
first grant of 1000 acres in New Kent for Hickman's grant shows same
"granted to Mr. Thomas Ballard 16 July 1655 and by him
deserted." (C.P. 379)
"It seems that Thomas Ballard "deserted" the 1000
acres and added 300 more "upon the north side of Mattapony
River" for on Oct 6 1658, he patented 1300 acres there and used
the same 20 headrights he had used in his first grant. (C.P. 380)
"On April 16, 1664, Anthony Branch patented 150 acres on N.W.
branch of Nansemond River, which had been sold to him by Mr. Thomas
Ballard.
"Thomas Ballard was appointed Clerk of York County in 1652, and
served for many years thereafter. He was a Burgess from James City
in 1666; was appointed Lt. Col. of Militia in 1669, and a member of
the Council in 1675, later was re-elected to the House of Burgesses
and became Speaker of the House in 1680-84. Colonel Ballard's wife
Ann, together with Mrs. Elizabeth Bacon, wife of Nathaniel Bacon,
Sr., (A cousin of Nathanial Bacon, Jr. the Rebel); Mrs. Angelica
Bray, wife of Colonel James Bray, and Mrs. Elizabeth Page, wife of
Colonel John Page, all wives of members of the Council were captured
by Nathanial Bacon, Jr., during his rebellion, by a raid on the
Middle Plantation.
"When Bacon besieged Jamestown these ladies, wearing white
aprons, were compelled to stand before his breastworks, so they
could be recognized by their husbands, and thereby cause Gov.
Berkeley to cease his cannonade. (2 W I-276)
"Colonel Ballard married Ann, step-daughter of William Thomas,
whose will was probated in York County, about 1664. In his will
Thomas mentioned wife Anne; . . . calls Sarah Herman and Jane
Hilliard "daughters-in-law" and Thomas Ballard
"son-in-law". Son-in-law in those days meant
"step-son" (See Hilliard).
"Thomas Ballard and his son, Thomas, were vestrymen of Historic
Bruton Parish Church at Williamsburg where he was buried March 24,
1689. His name is inscribed on a bronze tablet in the interior of
the Church, also on the name plate of a pew.
"His children were: (1.) John, dsp. (2) Thomas, (1654-1711);
(3) Lydia; (4) Elizabeth; (5) Martha; (6) William; (7) Francis, all
said to have been born at Middle Plantation, now Williamsburg.
------------------------
See from America's first families ancestor roll of honor at http://www.linkline.com/personal/xymox/roh/ballard.htm

THOMAS BALLARD
VIRGINIA (1630/31-1689)

In Colonial Virginia, Thomas BALLARD was often referred to as the
Honorable Thomas BALLARD, or as Colonel BALLARD. He was born in
March of 1630/31 in England. Some researchers believe that he was
brought to the New World as a child by his parents.

Whether or not he came as a child, it is fair to say that he was the
founder of the Virginia BALLARD family. Thomas BALLARD married Anne
THOMAS in 1650. Anne bore his eight children before her death in
1678.

Thomas lived in York County, Virginia, and imported at least twenty
persons into Gloucester County, Virginia, under the head right
system. He also patented land in Gloucester, County as well as lands
on the Propotank and Mattapony rivers. Both the head right system
and the land patenting practice were devised to populate the new
colonies and proved to be lucrative propositions for many of the
early colonists.

Thomas BALLARD was a party to a number of recorded land trading
transactions. Among these was the purchase and sale of the land on
which William and Mary College was founded."The College of
William and Mary was originally built on a tract of 330 acres most
of which has been sold off, only about 30 acres remain. The tract
was the property of the Honorable Thomas LUDWELL, Secretary of State
1660-1678, who lived at 'Richneck'on the west side of Archers Hope
Creek. Thomas LUDWELL sold this land March 1674-75 to Hon. Thomas
BALLARD of the Council...In 1693 BALLARD sold the same tract to the
Trustees of the College."

It was probably Thomas BALLARD Jr. who made the sale in 1693, since
Thomas the elder died in 1689. It is of interest to note that the
grandson of Colonel Thomas BALLARD, William BALLARD, married a
LUDWELL.

Thomas BALLARD was a member of the Governor's Council, whose members
were chosen from the wealthiest, most educated and influential
citizens of the colony. In this office, of Counselor, he was both a
Naval officer and a collector of customs. Members of this council
constituted the Upper House of the General Assembly. In many
respects, they were the New World counterpart of the English House
of Lords. His many offices included Clerk of York County, Member of
Council, Member of the House of Burgesses, and Speaker of the House
of Burgesses. He was also a Colonel in the James City County
militia.

At the height of his political career, the Bacon Rebellion had a
devastating effect on his life. In a raid on Middle Plantation, the
rebels kidnapped the wives of many of the Governor's highest
officials. These included the wife of Thomas BALLARD, as well as the
wife of Nathaniel BACON's cousin, who was also on the Governor's
Counsel.

The kidnapped women were used as human shields against and
retaliation of the Governor. Once the rebellion collapsed, BALLARD
sat on the court martial of BACON the rebel. Still, the trauma of
these events took its toll. Within a year of the court martial,
BALLARD's wife died.

In the following and final decade of his life, Thomas BALLARD
remarried, was promoted to the rank of Colonel of the James City
County militia, was elected speaker of the House of Burgesses, and
was vestryman of Bruton Parish Church. Upon his death in 1689, he
was buried at Bruton Church, and his name was inscribed on a bronze
tablet as well as a pew nameplate there.
Submitted by George F. Emerson

From "Genealogies of Virginia Families"
from Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine.

Colonel Thomas Ballard was an attorney and a member of the House of
Burgesses from James City Co., VA, 1666. Re-elected for the sessions
1682-83-84-85-86. He was Speaker of the House of Burgesses in
1680-82-83-84. He was Owner of historic "Middle
Plantation", on which some of the land is now located on the
College of William and Mary, and a part of the city of Williamsburg.
Thomas Ludwell sold this land March 1674-75 to Honorable Thomas
Ballard of the Council by the deed below." (no copy). In 1693
Ballard sold the same tract of land to the Trustees of the College,
and the Deed was at the College, until about 1892, when it
disappeared.

Colonel Ballard and his wife are mentioned as victims of Nat Bacon's
Rebellion. The Colonel was a member of the King's Council,
1675-1688. This was a position of high honor under Governor Berkeley
who in turn received his appointment from the King.

"Colonel Thomas Ballard was born in 1630, baptized at
Inkborough, England, County of Worcester, 1636. He was the son of
Henry Ballard, baptized at St. Margaret's West Minster, February 28,
1585, England and he died in Virgina.

Colonel Thomas Ballard died at his home in Middle Plantation, now
Williamsburg and was buried at Bruton Parish, March 24, 1689. He
married Miss Anne Thomas, daughter of William and Ann Thomas of York
County, Virginia. She died September 26, 1678.
----------------

From Southside Virginia Families by John Bennett Boddie, 1955,
Pacific Coast Publishers, Redwood City, California, pp. 17-24
"It has been stated that the first of the name in America was
William Ballard, born in England 1609 and his son Thomas, born in
England in 1630, same to America on the ship "James",
arriving at Yorktown in May 1635. The Richmond Times Dispatch, in an
article written in 1888 on "Ballard" says that William
remained for some time in Virginia, but after the death of his wife
he removed to Andover, Massachusetts and died there in 1689. He
married at Andover, Grace _____ and had (so T.D. says) Joseph, who
married Elizabeth Phelps, and perhaps other children.
"Thomas Ballard, son of William Ballard and Elizabeth, remained
in Virginia, and in 1654 was Clerk of York County. (End of quoted
statement).
"Now, the list of "Emigrants to America" by Hotten,
page 107, shows the following emigrants "imbarqued on the
'James', 13 July 1635, to be transported to New England":
William Ballard, Husband 32 years
Elizabeth Ballard, 26 years
Hester Ballard, 2 years
Jo. Ballard, 1 year
"No "Thomas Ballard, aged 5" is shown in this list
and the ship evidently sailed directly to New England.
"There was a Ballard family in Wadhurst, Sussex, England, whose
arms were "Sable, a griffin sergeant ermine, armed or".
They had resided there for many generations previous to the coming
of Thomas Ballard to Virginia. (See Misc. Gen. & Heraldica)
There were many "Thomas', Johns and Williams" in this
family and it is very probable that Col. Thomas Ballard of Virginia
was a descendant of one of the branches of this family. However, the
"William Ballard", third son of Thomas Ballard who died at
Wadhurst, Feb. 9, 1624, does not appear to be the William who came
to America in the ship "James". Thomas Ballard's eldest
son Thomas, was aged 15 in 1619, according to the above pedigree. He
also had a daughter Elizabeth, unmarried, and another one, Martha,
married to Abraham Haynes. Inasmuch as Thomas Ballard, the eldest
son, was born in 1604, William, the third son, was born much later
and therefore could not be the above William Ballard, born 1603 who
came on the ship "James".
"In a search for verification of the connection of this family
with Virginia, it was found that Thomas Ballard, born in 1604, who
married Anne, daughter of Sir Nathaniel Napper, (Berry's Sussex p.
116) made his will in London Sept. 10, 1641, same probated Sept. 18,
1641. He bequeathed all his lands and tenements given him in the
will of his father, Thomas, to his brother William Ballard; wife
Anne, daughter Anne; godchild Samuel Maplesden; brothers Mr. John
White, and Abraham Haynes. Executor, brother William Ballard. (It
seems that his sister Elizabeth married John White). The will of
Thomas' brother, Richard of London, was probated Aug. 1, 1638. He
died unmarried and bequeathed his property to his bother, Abraham
Haynes, Rector of St. Olaves, Hart Street, London. The children of
Abraham Haynes were: Martha, born Mar 15, 1634; Thomas, born Oct.
18, 1638; William, born April 22, 1640; Abraham Haynes, died Mar 29,
1649; Martha, his wife died Sept 23, 1647 (Register). (The wills are
from the "Ballard Genealogy" by C. F. Farlow, 1911, p. 1)
William Ballard was the survivor of this family and inherited all of
their property. It is very doubtful, therefore, that he would leave
England for America.
"Thomas Ballard, the founder of the Virginia family, as
"Mr. Thomas Ballard", patented "1000 acres in
Glouster Co., now called "New Kent Co." on S.E. side of
Mattapony, along the head of Mr. William Wyatt's land, 16 July 1655,
for the transportation of 20 persons". (C.P. 309) His next
patent was for 600 acres upon the head of Poropotank River, W.N.W.
upon land of Capt. Stephen Gill, dec'd. 15 Oct 1657. Thomas assigned
this land to Major David Cant, April 2, 1662. (C.P. 334, 496)
"On Oct 6 1658, Thomas Hickman re-patented Thomas Ballard's
first grant of 1000 acres in New Kent for Hickman's grant shows same
"granted to Mr. Thomas Ballard 16 July 1655 and by him
deserted." (C.P. 379)
"It seems that Thomas Ballard "deserted" the 1000
acres and added 300 more "upon the north side of Mattapony
River" for on Oct 6 1658, he patented 1300 acres there and used
the same 20 headrights he had used in his first grant. (C.P. 380)
"On April 16, 1664, Anthony Branch patented 150 acres on N.W.
branch of Nansemond River, which had been sold to him by Mr. Thomas
Ballard.
"Thomas Ballard was appointed Clerk of York County in 1652, and
served for many years thereafter. He was a Burgess from James City
in 1666; was appointed Lt. Col. of Militia in 1669, and a member of
the Council in 1675, later was re-elected to the House of Burgesses
and became Speaker of the House in 1680-84. Colonel Ballard's wife
Ann, together with Mrs. Elizabeth Bacon, wife of Nathaniel Bacon,
Sr., (A cousin of Nathanial Bacon, Jr. the Rebel); Mrs. Angelica
Bray, wife of Colonel James Bray, and Mrs. Elizabeth Page, wife of
Colonel John Page, all wives of members of the Council were captured
by Nathanial Bacon, Jr., during his rebellion, by a raid on the
Middle Plantation.
"When Bacon besieged Jamestown these ladies, wearing white
aprons, were compelled to stand before his breastworks, so they
could be recognized by their husbands, and thereby cause Gov.
Berkeley to cease his cannonade. (2 W I-276)
"Colonel Ballard married Ann, step-daughter of William Thomas,
whose will was probated in York County, about 1664. In his will
Thomas mentioned wife Anne; . . . calls Sarah Herman and Jane
Hilliard "daughters-in-law" and Thomas Ballard
"son-in-law". Son-in-law in those days meant
"step-son" (See Hilliard).
"Thomas Ballard and his son, Thomas, were vestrymen of Historic
Bruton Parish Church at Williamsburg where he was buried March 24,
1689. His name is inscribed on a bronze tablet in the interior of
the Church, also on the name plate of a pew.
"His children were: (1.) John, dsp. (2) Thomas, (1654-1711);
(3) Lydia; (4) Elizabeth; (5) Martha; (6) William; (7) Francis, all
said to have been born at Middle Plantation, now Williamsburg.
------------------------
See from America's first families ancestor roll of honor at http://www.linkline.com/personal/xymox/roh/ballard.htm

THOMAS BALLARD
VIRGINIA (1630/31-1689)

In Colonial Virginia, Thomas BALLARD was often referred to as the
Honorable Thomas BALLARD, or as Colonel BALLARD. He was born in
March of 1630/31 in England. Some researchers believe that he was
brought to the New World as a child by his parents.

Whether or not he came as a child, it is fair to say that he was the
founder of the Virginia BALLARD family. Thomas BALLARD married Anne
THOMAS in 1650. Anne bore his eight children before her death in
1678.

Thomas lived in York County, Virginia, and imported at least twenty
persons into Gloucester County, Virginia, under the head right
system. He also patented land in Gloucester, County as well as lands
on the Propotank and Mattapony rivers. Both the head right system
and the land patenting practice were devised to populate the new
colonies and proved to be lucrative propositions for many of the
early colonists.

Thomas BALLARD was a party to a number of recorded land trading
transactions. Among these was the purchase and sale of the land on
which William and Mary College was founded."The College of
William and Mary was originally built on a tract of 330 acres most
of which has been sold off, only about 30 acres remain. The tract
was the property of the Honorable Thomas LUDWELL, Secretary of State
1660-1678, who lived at 'Richneck'on the west side of Archers Hope
Creek. Thomas LUDWELL sold this land March 1674-75 to Hon. Thomas
BALLARD of the Council...In 1693 BALLARD sold the same tract to the
Trustees of the College."

It was probably Thomas BALLARD Jr. who made the sale in 1693, since
Thomas the elder died in 1689. It is of interest to note that the
grandson of Colonel Thomas BALLARD, William BALLARD, married a
LUDWELL.

Thomas BALLARD was a member of the Governor's Council, whose members
were chosen from the wealthiest, most educated and influential
citizens of the colony. In this office, of Counselor, he was both a
Naval officer and a collector of customs. Members of this council
constituted the Upper House of the General Assembly. In many
respects, they were the New World counterpart of the English House
of Lords. His many offices included Clerk of York County, Member of
Council, Member of the House of Burgesses, and Speaker of the House
of Burgesses. He was also a Colonel in the James City County
militia.

At the height of his political career, the Bacon Rebellion had a
devastating effect on his life. In a raid on Middle Plantation, the
rebels kidnapped the wives of many of the Governor's highest
officials. These included the wife of Thomas BALLARD, as well as the
wife of Nathaniel BACON's cousin, who was also on the Governor's
Counsel.

The kidnapped women were used as human shields against and
retaliation of the Governor. Once the rebellion collapsed, BALLARD
sat on the court martial of BACON the rebel. Still, the trauma of
these events took its toll. Within a year of the court martial,
BALLARD's wife died.

In the following and final decade of his life, Thomas BALLARD
remarried, was promoted to the rank of Colonel of the James City
County militia, was elected speaker of the House of Burgesses, and
was vestryman of Bruton Parish Church. Upon his death in 1689, he
was buried at Bruton Church, and his name was inscribed on a bronze
tablet as well as a pew nameplate there.
Submitted by George F. Emerson

Bacon's
Rebellion was probably one of the most confusing yet intriguing chapters
in Jamestown's history. For many years, historians considered the Virginia
Rebellion of 1676 to be the first stirring of revolutionary sentiment in
America, which culminated in the American Revolution almost exactly one
hundred years later. However, in the past few decades, based on findings
from a more distant viewpoint, historians have come to understand Bacon's
Rebellion as a power struggle between two stubborn, selfish leaders rather
than a glorious fight against tyranny.

The
central figures in Bacon's Rebellion were opposites. Governor Sir William
Berkeley, seventy when the crisis began, was a veteran of the English
Civil Wars, a frontier Indian fighter, a King's favorite in his first term
as Governor in the 1640's, and a playwright and scholar. His name and
reputation as Governor of Virginia were well respected. Berkeley's
antagonist, young Nathaniel Bacon, Jr., was actually Berkeley's cousin by
marriage. Lady Berkeley, Frances Culpeper, was Bacon's cousin. Bacon was a
troublemaker and schemer whose father sent him to Virginia in the hope
that he would mature. Although disdainful of labor, Bacon was intelligent
and eloquent. Upon Bacon's arrival, Berkeley treated his young cousin with
respect and friendship, giving him both a substantial land grant and a
seat on the council in 1675.

Bacon's
Rebellion can be attributed to a myriad of causes, all of which led to
dissent in the Virginia colony. Economic problems, such as declining
tobacco prices, growing commercial competition from Maryland and the
Carolinas, an increasingly restricted English market, and the rising
prices from English manufactured goods (mercantilism) caused problems for
the Virginians. There were heavy English losses in the latest series of
naval wars with the Dutch and, closer to home, there were many problems
caused by weather. Hailstorms, floods, dry spells, and hurricanes rocked
the colony all in the course of a year and had a damaging effect on the
colonists. These difficulties encouraged the colonists to find a scapegoat
against whom they could vent their frustrations and place the blame for
their misfortunes.

The
colonists found their scapegoat in the form of the local Indians. The
trouble began in July 1675 with a raid by the Doeg Indians on the
plantation of Thomas Mathews, located in the Northern Neck section of
Virginia near the Potomac River. Several of the Doegs were killed in the
raid, which began in a dispute over the nonpayment of some items Mathews
had apparently obtained from the tribe. The situation became critical
when, in a retaliatory strike by the colonists, they attacked the wrong
Indians, the Susquehanaugs, which caused large scale Indian raids to
begin.

To
stave off future attacks and to bring the situation under control,
Governor Berkeley ordered an investigation into the matter. He set up what
was to be a disastrous meeting between the parties, which resulted in the
murders of several tribal chiefs. Throughout the crisis, Berkeley
continually pleaded for restraint from the colonists. Some, including
Bacon, refused to listen. Nathaniel Bacon disregarded the Governor's
direct orders by seizing some friendly Appomattox Indians for
"allegedly" stealing corn. Berkeley reprimanded him, which
caused the disgruntled Virginians to wonder which man had taken the right
action. It was here the battle lines were about to be drawn.

A
further problem was Berkeley's attempt to find a compromise. Berkeley's
policy was to preserve the friendship and loyalty of the subject Indians
while assuring the settlers that they were not hostile. To meet his first
objective, the Governor relieved the local Indians of their powder and
ammunition. To deal with the second objective, Berkeley called the
"Long Assembly" in March 1676. Despite being judged corrupt, the
assembly declared war on all "bad" Indians and set up a strong
defensive zone around Virginia with a definite chain of command. The
Indian wars which resulted from this directive led to the high taxes to
pay the army and to the general discontent in the colony for having to
shoulder that burden.

The
Long Assembly was accused of corruption because of its ruling regarding
trade with the Indians. Not coincidentally, most of the favored traders
were friends of Berkeley. Regular traders, some of whom had been trading
independently with the local Indians for generations, were no longer
allowed to trade individually. A government commission was established to
monitor trading among those specially chosen and to make sure the Indians
were not receiving any arms and ammunition. Bacon, one of the traders
adversely affected by the Governor's order, accused Berkeley publicly of
playing favorites. Bacon was also resentful because Berkeley had denied
him a commission as a leader in the local militia. Bacon became the
elected "General" of a group of local volunteer Indian fighters,
because he promised to bear the cost of the campaigns.

After
Bacon drove the Pamunkeys from their nearby lands in his first action,
Berkeley exercised one of the few instances of control over the situation
that he was to have, by riding to Bacon's headquarters at Henrico with 300
"well armed" gentlemen. Upon Berkeley's arrival, Bacon fled into
the forest with 200 men in search of a place more to his liking for a
meeting. Berkeley then issued two petitions declaring Bacon a rebel and
pardoning Bacon's men if they went home peacefully. Bacon would then be
relieved of the council seat that he had won for his actions that year,
but he was to be given a fair trial for his disobedience.

Bacon
did not, at this time, comply with the Governor's orders. Instead he next
attacked the camp of the friendly Occaneecheee Indians on the Roanoke
River (the border between Virginia and North Carolina), and took their
store of beaver pelts.

In
the face of a brewing catastrophe, Berkeley, to keep the peace, was
willing to forget that Bacon was not authorized to take the law into his
own hands. Berkeley agreed to pardon Bacon if he turned himself in, so he
could be sent to England and tried before King Charles II. It was the
House of Burgesses, however, who refused this alternative, insisting that
Bacon must acknowledge his errors and beg the Governor's forgiveness.
Ironically, at the same time, Bacon was then elected to the Burgesses by
supportive local land owners sympathetic to his Indian campaigns. Bacon,
by virtue of this election, attended the landmark Assembly of June 1676.
It was during this session that he was mistakenly credited with the
political reforms that came from this meeting. The reforms were prompted
by the population, cutting through all class lines. Most of the reform
laws dealt with reconstructing the colony's voting regulations, enabling
freemen to vote, and limiting the number of years a person could hold
certain offices in the colony. Most of these laws were already on the
books for consideration well before Bacon was elected to the Burgesses.
Bacon's only cause was his campaign against the Indians.

Upon
his arrival for the June Assembly, Bacon was captured, taken before
Berkeley and council and was made to apologize for his previous actions.
Berkeley immediately pardoned Bacon and allowed him to take his seat in
the assembly. At this time, the council still had no idea how much support
was growing in defense of Bacon. The full awareness of that support hit
home when Bacon suddenly left the Burgesses in the midst of heated debate
over Indian problems. He returned with his forces to surround the
statehouse. Once again Bacon demanded his commission, but Berkeley called
his bluff and demanded that Bacon shoot him.

"Here
shoot me before God, fair mark shoot."

Bacon
refused. Berkeley granted Bacon's previous volunteer commission but Bacon
refused it and demanded that he be made General of all forces against the
Indians, which Berkeley emphatically refused and walked away. Tensions ran
high as the screaming Bacon and his men surrounded the statehouse,
threatening to shoot several onlooking Burgesses if Bacon was not given
his commission. Finally after several agonizing moments, Berkeley gave in
to Bacon's demands for campaigns against the Indians without government
interference. With Berkeley's authority in shambles, Bacon's brief tenure
as leader of the rebellion began.

Even
in the midst of these unprecedented triumphs, however, Bacon was not
without his mistakes. He allowed Berkeley to leave Jamestown in the
aftermath of a surprise Indian attack on a nearby settlement. He also
confiscated supplies from Gloucester and left them vulnerable to possible
Indian attacks. Shortly after the immediate crisis subsided, Berkeley
briefly retired to his home at Green Springs and washed his hands of the
entire mess. Nathaniel Bacon dominated Jamestown from July through
September 1676. During this time, Berkeley did come out of his lethargy
and attempt a coup, but support for Bacon was still too strong and
Berkeley was forced to flee to Accomack County on the Eastern Shore.

Feeling
that it would make his triumph complete, Bacon issued his
"Declaration of the People" on July 30, 1676 which stated that
Berkeley was corrupt, played favorites and protected the Indians for his
own selfish purposes. Bacon also issued his oath which required the
swearer to promise his loyalty to Bacon in any manner necessary (i.e.,
armed service, supplies, verbal support). Even this tight reign could not
keep the tide from changing again. Bacon's fleet was first and finally
secretly infiltrated by Berkeley's men and finally captured. This was to
be the turning point in the conflict, because Berkeley was once again
strong enough to retake Jamestown. Bacon then followed his sinking
fortunes to Jamestown and saw it heavily fortified. He made several
attempts at a siege, during which he kidnapped the wives of several of
Berkeley's biggest supporters, including Mrs. Nathaniel Bacon Sr., and
placed them upon the ramparts of his siege fortifications while he dug his
position. Infuriated, Bacon burned Jamestown to the ground on September
19, 1676. (He did save many valuable records in the statehouse.) By now
his luck had clearly run out with this extreme measure and he began to
have trouble controlling his men's conduct as well as keeping his popular
support. Few people responded to Bacon's appeal to capture Berkeley who
had since returned to the Eastern Shore for safety reasons.

On
October 26th, 1676, Bacon abruptly died of the "Bloodie Flux"
and "Lousey Disease" (body lice). It is possible his soldiers
burned his contaminated body because it was never found. (His death
inspired this little ditty; Bacon is Dead I am sorry at my hart That lice
and flux should take the hangman's part".)

Shortly
after Bacon's death, Berkeley regained complete control and hung the major
leaders of the rebellion. He also seized rebel property without the
benefit of a trial. All in all, twenty-three persons were hanged for their
part in the rebellion. Later after an investigating committee from England
issued its report to King Charles II, Berkeley was relieved of the
Governorship and returned to England where he died in July 1677.

Thus
ended one of the most unusual and complicated chapters in Jamestown's
history. Could it have been prevented or was it time for inevitable
changes to take place in the colonial governmental structure? Obviously,
the laws were no longer effective as far as establishing clear policies to
deal with problems or to instill new lifeblood into the colony's economy.
The numerous problems that hit the colony before the Rebellion gave rise
to the character of Nathaniel Bacon. Due to the nature of the uprising,
Bacon's Rebellion does seem at first glance to be the beginnings of
America's quest for Independence. But closer examination of the facts
reveals what it really was: a power struggle between two very strong
personalities. Between them they almost destroyed Jamestown.